Events to Benefit MHS Student with Cancer

Dimitri Vallejo was slated to start Montclair High School as a 9th grader earlier this month, taking classes and mingling with other freshmen.

Instead he's shuffling back and forth to hospital appointments.

In August, the 14-year-old Montclair resident was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

Now, proceeds from two community events will go to benefit this graduate of Renaissance Middle School and Watchung Elementary School by helping his family cover the costs of mounting medical and other bills.

On Saturday, Sept. 17, a portion of the money raised from a super Multi-Family Yard Sale on Inwood Avenue between Norwood and Valley in Upper Montclair will be donated to the family.

The massive sale will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and is located just around the corner from the Upper Montclair Sidewalk Sale that will be going on along Valley Road from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition, the community and the 3Sixty Cycling Studio, located at 4 Lackawanna Plaza, are sponsoring a fundraiser for the family on Sunday, Oct. 2 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

"I've known Dimitri's parents for years and our heart goes out to this young man in such a spectacular part of his life," said studio co-owner Mark Cohen. "As a father of an incoming high school freshman—and previously having led a life as a artist like Dimitri's parents—I personally understand the need for this fundraiser."

The event involves a one-hour fun spinnnig class with a certified instructor. Bikes can be reserved for a contribution of at least $100.

Call (973) 744-0081 to reserve a bike.